Insulin-like growth factor 1: cardiovascular morbidity prognosis

The paper is a review devoted to insulin-like growth factor 1 and its role in the development, progression, and prognosis of cardiovascular diseases. IGF-1 is one of the important regulatory proteins involved in both adaptation and maladjustment. The purpose of the review is to critically analyze the results of association between IGF-1 and cardiovascular disease. In general, we analyzed 100 literature sources; however, 49 of them were excluded, since the processes under consideration were not described there in detail or included an assessment of correlation between IGF-1 and metabolic parameters. IGF-1 regulatory function is to control the synthesis and degradation of proteins, provide a mitogenic effect, and influence apoptosis. IGF-1 plays a leading role in the protection of cardiomyocytes from apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. IGF-1 is involved in angiogenesis and development of atherosclerosis; it induces the growth of endothelial cells activating vascular endothelial growth factor. An increase in IGF-1 level accompanies arterial hypertension; a decrease in IGF-1 concentration is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. IGF-1 concentration in ACS is associated with the syndrome outcome; a decrease in IGF-1 levels in patients with myocardial infarction (less than 150 nm/ml) is an unfavorable prognostic factor for six-month mortality after acute coronary pathology. Low IGF-1 level is an independent predictor of vascular accidents in hypertensive patients. Decreased IGF-1 level in patients with cardiovascular disease is associated with a higher risk of atrial fibrillation. The results obtained indicate the advisability of using the IGF-1 concentration as a prognostic marker of cardiovascular diseases.